May 29, 2019 –

On June 14, Kingston marks its 178 anniversary of being the first capital of a united Canada with a day full of free history-themed activities at City Park.

First Capital Day opening ceremonies will kick off at 9:45 a.m. with Mayor Bryan Paterson followed by Ollin.ca and then Paddling Puppeteer: Honest Frankie's Shoreline Review at 10 a.m.

Hands-on activities and displays will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Park.

Pre-registration:

If you are planning to bring a school group to the event, we would appreciate it if you could pre-register. This will allow us to let exhibitors know an approximate number of children attending so that they can be better prepared.

To register in advance, please send your school name, number of students, number of adults and method of transportation to the park (walking, school bus, city transit etc.) to troseberry@cityofkingston.ca.

Activities:

• Fort Henry Guard: Students will enjoy learning the 'rules' of military life, trying out some of the uniforms and doing drills.
• Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners: The making of clothing, bedding and household linens was vitally important to the early settlers in Canada.
• Frontier Creations English Travelling Merchant of 1812: Students can touch antlers, deer fur, feel leather and take home a leather sample or make a simple necklace.
• Dr. Greg Baran, Surgeon: This interactive exhibit features discussion and demonstration of medical practices during the 1800s. Note: Some props and descriptions are graphic and are best suited for older children.
• Broadsword Academy Kingston: Experience the use and history of the broadsword as practiced by Highland Regiments in the 18th and 19th centuries. 
• A Day in the Life of a Voyageur: Learn about the Arctic and Inuit culture through traditional soapstone carving.
• Please keep in mind: The exhibit schedule is subject to change. Watch for additional exhibits on the day of the event!

Parking and drop-off:

• The West Street entrance to the ring road that runs through the bottom of City Park will be closed to the general public throughout the day to accommodate this event.
  • Patients of Kingston General Hospital's cancer clinic can park on the ring road and may access it off Barrie Street.
• Buses may drop off and pick-up on Bagot Street at the park building, but will not be allowed to remain parked at that location.

Exhibits will be in the park, rain or shine, unless it becomes a safety hazard.

To request a teacher's package or for questions about the event please e-mail jcruz1@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291 ext. 1331.

Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy food from one of Kingston's local vendors on site. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen, hat and a water bottle to fill up at the Utilities Kingston Water Buggy.